Plastics, Fertility and What We Can Realistically Do About it

The recent Netflix documentary The Plastic Detox has highlighted the growing body of research linking plastic exposure with human health.

Microplastics, defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, are now widely detected across the environment. They have been identified in drinking water, food, air and household dust. More recently, studies have detected microplastics in human blood, lung tissue, the placenta and reproductive tissues.

Alongside microplastics themselves, the documentary highlights chemicals commonly used in plastics, including bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates. These are classified as endocrine-disrupting chemicals. This means they can interfere with hormone signalling. Even small amounts can have an effect, particularly with regular, everyday exposure.

There is increasing evidence linking exposure to these compounds with:

• reduced fertility in both men and women

• changes in sperm quality, including count and motility

• disruption of ovulation and menstrual cycles

• increased oxidative stress and inflammation

Sources of Exposure

• plastic food containers, bottles and packaging

• heating food in plastic or washing plastics at high temperatures

• takeaway containers and coffee cups lined with plastic

• canned foods due to internal linings

• cling film, particularly with fatty foods

• paper receipts

• fragranced personal care and cleaning products

• synthetic clothing and household dust

• environmental contamination of food and water

How to Reduce Exposure

Food and Drink

• Limit consumption of larger fish (such as tuna, swordfish and marlin). Smaller fish such as sardines, mackerel and anchovies tend to accumulate fewer microplastics

• Limit canned foods where practical and choose glass jars, cartons or dried alternatives

• Wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly

• Where possible, prioritise organic options for fruit and vegetables with a higher pesticide residue (often referred to as the “Dirty Dozen”)

• Choose loose leaf tea or plastic-free tea bags

• Drink filtered top water

In the Kitchen

• Don’t microwave food in plastic containers, as heat causes plastic to break down and release particles into food.

• Switch to a stainless steel water bottle (e.g. Chilly’s, Klean Kanteen)

• Use glass food storage containers (e.g. Pyrex, IKEA) or glass jars (just wash and save the ones from sauces, pickles, or jam)

• Avoid non-stick cookware as they can release particles when heated or scratched. Use stainless steel or cast iron instead (e.g. Le Creuset)

• Replace plastic spatulas with wood or stainless steel.

• Avoid dishwashing plastic containers

• Use paper sandwich bags

Around the Home

• Vacuum regularly (with a HEPA filter) and open windows while you do so to avoid recirculating particles.

• Damp dust rather than dry dust

• Choose simple fragrance-free cleaning products (e.g. Ecover Zero)

Personal Care

• Choose natural toiletries where possible (e.g. Weleda, Green People, Dr Bronner)

• Where practical, buy clothing made from natural materials like cotton, wool, or linen to reduce shedding synthetic microfibers.

Can what we eat help reduce microplastics in the body?

Nutrition can play a major role in supporting the body’s natural detoxification and elimination processes. This is particularly relevant for chemicals associated with plastics, such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, which are known to be processed through the liver, gut and kidneys.

Fibre

Fibre helps bind waste products in the gut which reduces the likelihood of plastic associated chemicals being reabsorbed.

Aim to include a variety of fibre-rich foods daily, such as vegetables, fruit, oats, beans, lentils, nuts and seeds. Ground flaxseed is a particularly useful addition, as it provides both fibre and compounds that may support hormone balance.

Cruciferous vegetables

The liver plays a central role in processing environmental chemicals. It converts fat-soluble compounds into forms that can be excreted via bile or urine.

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, kale, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts contain compounds that support detoxification enzymes involved in hormone and chemical metabolism.

Antioxidant-rich foods

Antioxidant-rich foods help protect cells from damage. Focus on a colourful variety of plant foods, including berries, citrus fruits, leafy greens, peppers and herbs.

Fermented foods

Emerging research suggests the gut microbiome may influence how environmental chemicals are processed and eliminated. Support gut health through fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut and kimchi.

Hydration

Adequate fluid intake supports both kidney function and bowel regularity, which are key routes of elimination. Aim for consistent hydration across the day. Tap water is usually the lower exposure option compared to bottled water, especially if filtered.

It is not possible to eliminate plastic exposure completely. What matters most is reducing repeated, everyday exposure where it is easy to do so. Simple changes such as avoiding heating food in plastic, using glass or stainless steel, and supporting your diet can make a meaningful difference over time.

References

• EFSA Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes, Flavourings and Processing Aids (2015). Scientific Opinion on the risks to public health related to the presence of bisphenol A (BPA) in foodstuffs. EFSA Journal, 13(1):3978.

• Rochester JR (2013). Bisphenol A and human health: a review of the literature. Reproductive Toxicology, 42:132 to 155.

• Vandenberg LN et al. (2007). Human exposure to bisphenol A (BPA). Reproductive Toxicology, 24(2):139 to 177.

• Diamanti-Kandarakis E et al. (2009). Endocrine-disrupting chemicals: an Endocrine Society scientific statement. Endocrine Reviews, 30(4):293 to 342.

• Heindel JJ et al. (2017). Metabolism disrupting chemicals and metabolic disorders. Reproductive Toxicology, 68:3 to 33.

• Rinninella E et al. (2019). What is the healthy gut microbiota composition. Microorganisms, 7(1):14.

• Sies H et al. (2017). Oxidative stress: concept and practical aspects. Antioxidants, 6(2):44.

• Leslie HA et al. (2022). Discovery and quantification of plastic particle pollution in human blood. Environment International, 163:107199.

• Ragusa A et al. (2021). Plasticenta: first evidence of microplastics in human placenta. Environment International, 146:106274.

If you would like more personalised support around fertility and hormone health, please feel free to get in touch.